A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, with cities from Cali and Pereira to Chocó affected; official tallies show over 280 deaths, thousands injured, more than 12,000 homes destroyed, and hundreds still missing as rescue efforts continue.

Rescue teams and volunteers, working in challenging conditions, formed human chains and used basic tools to search rubble as crews race against time for survivors in the first 72 hours critical window.

Disaster relief leaders urge cash donations over in-kind goods to maintain flexibility and speed, avoiding overwhelming communities and enabling rapid, targeted aid.

Organizations such as Amazon's Abe Diaz emphasize cash contributions to empower recipient agencies and streamline response on the ground.

The relief campaign aims to fund housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and roads, leveraging international visibility and local expertise for long-term reconstruction.

International aid is arriving from multiple countries, with Mexico signaling willingness to provide assistance without political conditions, and the government stating aid will be welcomed regardless of ideological alignment.

Reporting and funders include AP in collaboration with The Conversation US and Lilly Endowment Inc., highlighting broad philanthropic coverage of the relief effort.

Officials stress the need for sustained support and note that ground presence through peace-process networks can improve aid delivery in the response.

A veteran recovery expert outlines a two-phase approach: immediate needs such as food and shelter, followed by long-term reconstruction and social reintegration, including employing affected residents.

The crisis narrative includes criticism of the prior administration and discussions of the new president’s governance style as the situation unfolds.

Aid and relief efforts continue with prioritization of shelter, medical care, water and power restoration, and logistics to reach hard-to-access communities.

The president outlined a reconstruction plan, calling for private sector involvement and subsidies for homeless families to support rebuilding efforts.